‘The car horns created an anxious music, discordant but not indifferent.’ — Amit Chaudhuri

‘And his talent became a problematic responsibility he did not know what to do with; it was as if, having given so much to his gift – hard work, practice – he wanted something in return; and not having got that “something”, whatever it might be, he had decided to punish both himself and everyone around him.’

‘... a severe woman with a patient but unprevaricating gaze, who turned out to be Indira Gandhi.’

‘... he sang with his eyes squeezed tight, as if he were dropping from a great height.’